The opening day featured remarks from key stakeholders, who reflected on the years of groundwork that led to this milestone and emphasised the strategic value of advancing ocean sciences. At the heart of the project lies the goal of equipping the next generation of scientists with the tools and knowledge to manage ocean resources responsibly. Dr. Muki Moeng, DVC Teaching and Learning at Nelson Mandela University, highlighted the direct contribution of the SAMOS programme to sustainable practices and responsible resource management, aligning closely with South Africa’s Vision 2030.

The national importance of the programme was reinforced by Dr. Whitfield Green, CEO of the Council on Higher Education, and Dr. Gilbert Siko, Acting Chief Director for Marine and Polar Research at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. They emphasised the programme’s alignment with national development goals—particularly the internationalisation of higher education, the strengthening of ocean sciences capacity, and adherence to CHE’s Quality Assurance framework for local and cross-border qualifications. M. Garth van Heerden, representing the National Research Foundation, emphasised the objectives of the NRF to go beyond financial support, and develop strong relationships with universities and scientists to ensure adequate support to specific needs expressed.

The legacy and strength of Franco-South African cooperation were also celebrated. Dr. Francis Marsac, representing IRD, underscored how the SAMOS project represents an important result and continuation of more than two decades of collaborative efforts in marine sciences between the two countries. Prof. Fred Jean, head of the European Institute for Marine Studies, praised the programme’s high academic quality—made possible through the deep commitment and cohesion of the consortium partners. Echoing this, M. Aurélien Leynet, Attaché for science and academic cooperation at the French Embassy, underscored the strategic value of such partnerships, strengthening opportunities for collaboration and mobility.

The programme’s inclusivity and transformative potential were underscored by contributions from several partner universities. Dr. Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, DVC for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships at Rhodes University, stressed the need to strengthen capacity in Ocean Sciences that originated the design of the SAMOS curriculum and project as a whole. Prof. Andrew Leitch, representing the University of Fort Hare, spoke to the vital role of Historically Disadvantaged Universities in SAMOS. He then called for close attention to student supervision to ensure robust academic support. Prof. Nosisi Feza, DVC for Research at Walter Sisulu University, emphasised the imperative to drive impactful research and innovation, linking SAMOS directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, Prof. Mudali from the University of Zululand highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of their science faculty—a unique asset that will enrich the SAMOS consortium and foster integrated approaches to ocean sciences education and research.

The remainder of the days were dedicated to outlining key actions and finalising the implementation strategy, with the Work Package (WP) leaders presenting their activities and deliverables. Dedicated working group sessions brought participants together in thematic teams on governance, teaching plan, capacity-building and communication and dissemination, which reinforced collaborative engagement and set clear paths for project execution. The final day focused on highlighting the research components of the project and introduced the twinning programme for academics. The WP leaders delivered feedback from the previous day’s group sessions, summarising key outcomes and next steps. The day concluded with continued engagement from all members of the SAMOS consortium.

As the project enters its implementation phase, the momentum generated during the kick-off event has laid a solid foundation for meaningful, academic exchange and capacity building. Through its innovative approach and international collaboration, SAMOS is well placed to make a significant contribution to the advancement of the sustainable blue economy and toward shaping the future of ocean sciences in higher education across South Africa and beyond.